Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts / Classes & Programs

Early Childhood Programs

Ages 6 and under

MCA is the best place to give your child a great start in the arts.

Because our instructors are so in-tune with the developmental stages and needs of children of this age your child will leave each class with a bounce in their step and eagerly return each week. MCA instructors know just how to strike just the right chord between creating fun, playful learning, and building a solid foundation in the arts. Children as young as 18 months old may start exploring the magical world of dance along with a special grown-up in their life in our “My Grown-up & Me” class.

See the handy chart below to help you decide which class is right for your child or click on the division below to explore offerings that are specifically designed for students ages 6 and under.

ART

Kids Night Out

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is so pleased to partner with the Page Series to offer childcare on-site at MCA's home, the Valencia Arts Center while parents enjoy the KEIGWIN + COMPANY's "Places Please!" Kids will be engaged in a variety of activities that will tickle their creative muscles and be provided with a snack. Tickets for "Places Please!" can be purchased through Pagetheatre.org.

Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 10, 6:15 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. ("Places Please!" begins at 7 p.m., so parents will have time to get kids settled, grab a drink and then enjoy the show)

Ages: Open to potty-trained kids 3 years & up.

Price: $12 per child (snack included)

NEW! Mixed Media Extravaganza

Get ready to expand your art technique tool box and flex your creative muscles while you learn to create unique mixed media artwork. New techniques such as texture, layering, stenciling, and composition will be introduced each week as you collage with new, recycled, and other found materials.

Day/Dates: Mondays, Jan. 7-28

Times: 4:30-5:30 pm, grades 1-3

5:30-6:30 pm. grades 4+

Instructor(s): Brianna Haupt

Price: $59

“Frozen” Dance and Art Adventure Workshop

There will be miles of smiles as students dance and craft their way through a magical journey unleashing their imaginations in this workshop centered around the movie “ Frozen” and perfectly timed to align with Winona’s Winter Carnival celebration and Frozen River Film Festival.

Day/Time: Saturday, Feb. 9th, 12:15 pm- 2:15 pm

Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-2nd grade

Price: $19 (snack included)

Location: TBA ( either at MCA or Winona State University to make it even easier for Parents who want their children to participate in a fun activity while they attend a film set from the Frozen River Film Festival.)

NEW! 3-D Magic

Warm-up your hands, it’s time to sculpt, fold, and engineer art that pops off the page or stands on its own. MCA will provide materialsfrom clay to wires and colorful paper, all you have to bring is your imagination and be ready to learn new techniques.

Cost: $64Instructor: Brianna Haupt

Day/Dates: Mondays, Feb. 18– March 18

Times: 4:30–5:30 pm, grades 1-35:30–6:30 pm, grades 4+

Instructor(s): Brianna Haupt

Price: $64

May the 4th be with you....Create a Comic Workshop

This workshop is in celebration of the holiday Free Comic Book Day (Always the first Saturday in May) and Star Wars Day (May the 4th). During the workshop young artists will celebrate the art of comic books and learn about how to create their very own comic. Drawing comics is a great way to promote literacy skills and for kids to flex their creative muscles.

Day/Time: Saturday, May 4th, K-2nd grade, 9-10 am

3rd-5th grade,10:15-11:45 am

6th grade+, Noon-1:45 pm

Price: $15 (all supplies)

Instructor: Biranna Haupt

2019 PTA Reflections

Since 1969, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Reflections program has encouraged students across the nation to explore their artistic talents. The PTA Reflections program is designed to promote cultural arts in schools, encouraging students to create works of art in visual arts, photography, literature, music, dance, film and special artist categories. Every March since 2016 the walls of Galleria Valéncia have been adorned with all of the Minnesota state winners visual arts division of the 2018 Minnesota State PTA Reflections program. That will still be the case in 2019, but the newest development is that MCA is now a registered Northstar Minnesota PTA unit in good standing and any area youth in Preschool-Twelfth Grade is able to submit a work into the Reflections program now- Jan. 15, 2019. The program is open to any area youth that has been an MCA student within the past year, as long as the student’s school does not have a PTA unit regardless if they attend a public, private, charter school or are home educated.

Music

Private Lessons

MCA offers private lessons for all ages and abilities! Our experienced teaching artists prepare students for a lifetime enjoyment of music.

Private lessons are offered year-round. Instruction available in flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, violin, cello, guitar, bass. piano, percussion, and voice. Students will be expected to purchase method books the instructor feels best address the student’s needs. Students have the opportunity to perform during MCA’s Annual Fall and Winter Concerts and other performance opportunities based upon instructor recommendations. Some instruments such as the violin, guitar and piano are better suited for young students, if you have a young child who is interested in learning an instrument please contact us at 507-453-5500 for more information or by filling out a registration form indicating an instrument of interest.

Music for Little Movers

You and your child will squeal with delight as you wiggle and spin with Amanda to both original and favorite preschool songs. This class will explore new topics each week including colors, animals, and seasons. It is designed to develop your child’s motor skills, tickle their ears and create a fun memories.

Instructor: Amanda Grace

Date: Wednesdays, Jan. 9- 30

Time: 9:30-10:00 am

Age: Birth-5 years with a caregiver

Fee: $28 per child or $35 per family

NEW! Music fun with Mr. Kerry

Are you ready to have fun? Are you interested in hand drums, the guitar or singing? Come play with MCA's new collection of children's instruments. Intended for children ages 3 to 7, with a special grown-up in their life. This class will teach basic music skills using a variety of instruments, songs, games, and activities. No experience required!

Instructor: Kerry Klungtvedt

Date: Saturdays, Jan. 12-March 2

Time: 2-3 pm

Age: 3-7 years with a caregiver

Fee: $64 per child or $77 per family

DANCE

My Grown up & Me

Does your child love to move? Children ages 18 months – 3 years old are invited to explore a new environment and connect with a special grown-up in their life. This class will stimulate coordination, balance and listening skills and will be filled with smiles to last a lifetime! Grown-ups attending will be asked to participate along with their child.

Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 9- March 13

Time: 5:15-5:45 pm

Age: 18 months -3 years by 01/01/19

Fee: $70 (10 classes)

Instructor: J.Dienger

Creative Movement

Children will look forward to class each week as they creatively explore the world of movement.

Day/Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 10-March 14

Time: 4:30-5 pm

Age: 3-5 years by 1/1/19

Fee: $70 (10 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

Boys in Motion Ages 3-4

Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! Specifically designed for young boys ages 4-6 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.

Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 9-March 13

Time: 4:30-5 pm

Age: 3-4 years

Fee: $18 (10 classes)

Instructor: D. Schleich

Pre-Ballet for 4 year-olds

Playful and engaging first steps into classical ballet.

Day/Dates: Mondays, Jan. 7-March 11

Time: 5 - 5:30 pm

Age: 4 by 1/1/19

Price: $75 (10 classes)

Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren

Boys in Motion Ages 5-6

Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! Specifically designed for young boys ages 4-6 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.

Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 9-13

Time: 4:00-4:30 pm

Age: 5-6 years

Fee: $18 (10 classes)

Instructor: D. Schleich

Pre-Ballet for 5 year-olds

An imaginative, technique based introduction to Classical ballet perfect for your 5 year-old.

Day/Dates: Mondays, Jan. 7- March 11

Time: 4:15-5:00 p.m.

Age: 5 by 8/1/18

Price: $88 (10 classes)

Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren

Beginning Ballet

Continued introduction to classical ballet. Designed to build coordination, strength and body awareness through a range of creative techniques perfect for your 6 year-old.

Day/Dates: Mondays, Jan. 7- March 11

Time: 5:30- 6:30 p.m.

Fee: $95 (10 classes)

Age: 6 by 1/1/19

Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren

Beginning Hip Hop

Get ready to move to the beat in this fun introduction into the world of hip hop dance with music and moves just right for your age.

Day/Dates: Saturdays, Jan. 12- March 16

Time: 12:15-1:00 pm

Age: 6-9 years

Price: $70 (10 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

MCA in partnership with the Winona YMCA this Summer & Fall

MCA is proud to be partnering once again with the Winona YMCA to offer more opportunities for local kids to explore the arts and get creative this summer & Fall. Registration for these camp is through the Winona YMCA at: winonaymca.org

Kids Night Out

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is so pleased to partner with the Page Series to offer childcare on-site at MCA's home, the Valencia Arts Center while parents enjoy the KEIGWIN + COMPANY's "Places Please!" Kids will be engaged in a variety of activities that will tickle their creative muscles and be provided with a snack. Tickets for "Places Please!" can be purchased through Pagetheatre.org.

Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 10, 6:15 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. ("Places Please!" begins at 7 p.m., so parents will have time to get kids settled, grab a drink and then enjoy the show)

Ages: Open to potty-trained kids 3 years & up.

Price: $12 per child (snack included)

“Frozen” Dance and Art Adventure Workshop

There will be miles of smiles as students dance and craft their way through a magical journey unleashing their imaginations in this workshop centered around the movie “ Frozen” and perfectly timed to align with Winona’s Winter Carnival celebration and Frozen River Film Festival.

Day/Time: Saturday, Feb. 9th, 12:15 pm- 2:15 pm

Ages: Preschool (3-5 years) & K-2nd grade

Price: $19 (snack included)

Location: TBA ( either at MCA or Winona State University to make it even easier for Parents who want their children to participate in a fun activity while they attend a film set from the Frozen River Film Festival.)

2019 PTA Reflections

Since 1969, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Reflections program has encouraged students across the nation to explore their artistic talents. The PTA Reflections program is designed to promote cultural arts in schools, encouraging students to create works of art in visual arts, photography, literature, music, dance, film and special artist categories. Every March since 2016 the walls of Galleria Valéncia have been adorned with all of the Minnesota state winners visual arts division of the 2018 Minnesota State PTA Reflections program. That will still be the case in 2019, but the newest development is that MCA is now a registered Northstar Minnesota PTA unit in good standing and any area youth in Preschool-Twelfth Grade is able to submit a work into the Reflections program now- Jan. 15, 2019. The program is open to any area youth that has been an MCA student within the past year, as long as the student’s school does not have a PTA unit regardless if they attend a public, private, charter school or are home educated.

Theatre

Kids Night Out

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is so pleased to partner with the Page Series to offer childcare on-site at MCA's home, the Valencia Arts Center while parents enjoy the KEIGWIN + COMPANY's "Places Please!" Kids will be engaged in a variety of activities that will tickle their creative muscles and be provided with a snack. Tickets for "Places Please!" can be purchased through Pagetheatre.org.

Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 10, 6:15 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. ("Places Please!" begins at 7 p.m., so parents will have time to get kids settled, grab a drink and then enjoy the show)

Ages: Open to potty-trained kids 3 years & up.

Price: $12 per child (snack included)

2019 PTA Reflections

Since 1969, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Reflections program has encouraged students across the nation to explore their artistic talents. The PTA Reflections program is designed to promote cultural arts in schools, encouraging students to create works of art in visual arts, photography, literature, music, dance, film and special artist categories. Every March since 2016 the walls of Galleria Valéncia have been adorned with all of the Minnesota state winners visual arts division of the 2018 Minnesota State PTA Reflections program. That will still be the case in 2019, but the newest development is that MCA is now a registered Northstar Minnesota PTA unit in good standing and any area youth in Preschool-Twelfth Grade is able to submit a work into the Reflections program now- Jan. 15, 2019. The program is open to any area youth that has been an MCA student within the past year, as long as the student’s school does not have a PTA unit regardless if they attend a public, private, charter school or are home educated.

Family Classes

With busy work and school schedules we know it can be hard to find time to do things as a family so in addition to producing a variety of music, theatre and dance performances for you and your family to enjoy we have 4 classes that will help families make memories, get creative and learn together. Below are descriptions of our Family Classes, but you may also want to check out our Events listing to find out about #MCAontheGo events & performances out in the community.

My Grown up & Me

Does your child love to move? Children ages 18 months – 3 years old are invited to explore a new environment and connect with a special grown-up in their life. This class will stimulate coordination, balance and listening skills and will be filled with smiles to last a lifetime! Grown-ups attending will be asked to participate along with their child.

Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 9- March 13

Time: 5:15-5:45 pm

Age: 18 months -3 years by 01/01/19

Fee: $70 (10 classes)

Instructor: J.Dienger

Music for Little Movers

You and your child will squeal with delight as you wiggle and spin with Amanda to both original and favorite preschool songs. This class will explore new topics each week including colors, animals, and seasons. It is designed to develop your child’s motor skills, tickle their ears and create a fun memories.

Instructor: Amanda Grace

Date: Wednesdays, Jan. 9- 30

Time: 9:30-10:00 am

Age: Birth-5 years with a caregiver

Fee: $28 per child or $35 per family

NEW! Music fun with Mr. Kerry

Are you ready to have fun? Are you interested in hand drums, the guitar or singing? Come play with MCA's new collection of children's instruments. Intended for children ages 3 to 7, with a special grown-up in their life. This class will teach basic music skills using a variety of instruments, songs, games, and activities. No experience required!

Instructor: Kerry Klungtvedt

Date: Saturdays, Jan. 12-March 2

Time: 2-3 pm

Age: 3-7 years with a caregiver

Fee: $64 per child or $77 per family

4th Annual MCA Free-4-All & Winter Open House

Have you been waiting for just the right time to check out one of our classes? The wait is now over, MCA is having a FREE-4-ALL… a day of free classes for the whole family! This event will feature classes for both youth and adults- so bring some friends and try a class or two. All classes are FREE, space is limited so preregistration is recommended online, by phone or in-person.